Storing Your Summer Sports

Last summer, my dad went out one day and totally splurged, coming home with a beautiful red WaveRunner. His new toy was big enough for three adults, incredibly fast and provided hours of fun for everyone. It was a great investment, and it even looked great out on the water. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look nearly as great sitting in the garage with its cover on. But, the season for water sports has ended, and sadly, my dad must put his WaveRunner away. Before he packed it up for the season, he wanted me to find out how to winterize it properly, and so here are some tips on how to keep your summer sports equipment in good shape during the winter.

Preparing your water skis and wakeboards for the winter months is not difficult at all, and just a little time and effort will make a huge difference in the life span of your equipment. When putting your gear into storage, the most important thing is to make sure that it is clean and dry. You should wash your equipment with mild soap and water before putting it away, especially after using it in salt water. If left on the equipment, salt can cause corrosion and rust.

After you thoroughly rinse and dry your equipment you will need to find a place to store it. It is essential to keep your skis and boards out of direct sunlight, for too much sun exposure will cause fading, discoloration and warping. Keep in mind that even indirect sunlight, such as the light that comes through the window, can cause these problems. The next criteria for your storage location is to make sure that it is a place where the equipment will be safe – where it won’t get knocked over or scratched. You should avoid storing skis upright, or “on display,” because they can easily can get damaged in this position. Keeping them underneath a bed or horizontally overhead in a garage are great options. Ideally, skis and boards should be wrapped in the padded coverings and cases they came in, or you can wrap them in blankets, sheets or protective cloths.

Just as you plan to winterize your skis and boards, you should also take some time to do the same to your wetsuits and drysuits. The most vulnerable of all your equipment, these should also be thoroughly rinsed and dried before storage. The suits can be laid flat or hung on a hanger, out of the sunlight. You can stuff them with newspaper to help them keep their shape and avoid harsh creasing.

WaveRunners, Jet Skis and other personal watercrafts require a bit more work for winterization. The first thing you will need to do is to drain the engine. Once you have done this, give your PWC a good cleaning, taking time to remove all dirt and grime from the exterior. When you have finished, make sure there is no water in the hull and that both the interior and the exterior are completely dry. Next, you will need to give your PWC a full tank of gas. Then add gas stabilizer, following the instructions on the container regarding the amount. Allow your engine to run a few times for about 30 seconds to help the stabilizer run through it. The next step is to remove the battery. Do this by first disconnecting the negative terminal followed by the positive terminal. Store the battery in a warm place, such as a shed or garage. It is not advised to keep it inside your home, because it may give off dangerous fumes. Attach the battery to a trickle charger and be sure to periodically check its water level during the winter months.

When you are choosing a location for your PWC for the winter months, it is important to keep in mind that it has a full tank of gas and therefore should be kept away from anything potentially flammable. You should also store it in a level position to prevent leaks. Many people opt to take the tires off their PWC trailer in the winter and keep the trailer in position with concrete blocks or a jack. If you decide to keep the tires on, cover them with either sturdy plastic bags or tarps. Next, unlatch the seat of the PWC. This will prevent any moisture from getting trapped inside. You should then place a rag or steel wool in the exhaust to keep the space free of nesting animals and bugs. Lastly, place the cover over your PWC, being sure to take one last look before putting it away for the season.

–Christine Edwards